LETTERS: "It’s extremely rare for photojournalists to receive public accolades or a genuine show of appreciation from their employer."

Wednesday

Sep 12, 2018 at 2:00 AM

Photo chief Jim Tiller deserved tribute

I applaud Pat Rice, and the Opinion page, for taking time to pay tribute to The News-Journal’s fantastic photographer, Jim Tiller, while announcing his retirement from the paper.

It’s extremely rare for photojournalists to receive public accolades or a genuine show of appreciation from their employer. But both Rice, and the paper, went well beyond the norm and devoted an entire page to his wonderful career.

What an enjoyable read, honoring a living artist who produced honest and telling pictures daily while epitomizing the free-spirited attitude needed to survive as a photojournalist.

Daytona Beach was fortunate that Tiller was willing to travel down a rocky and unforgiving road decades ago with the dream of becoming a professional news photographer, and it was even more fortunate that he found a willing newspaper to showcase his creative efforts inside the pages of The News-Journal.

A related footnote: In Tiller’s photograph of Air Force One taking off next to the Daytona International Speedway in 2004, I was a member of the Air Force One press travel pool that day, and was seated inside the press cabin while that picture was taken.

Larry Downing, Ormond-by-the-Sea

Heartfelt respect

Pat Rice’s column on Jim Tiller was absolutely journalism at its best. And in this day, when all we read so much negative news, it is a pleasure — a welcome break in the day — to read such an obviously respectful, heartfelt and sincere commendation for a fellow associate. Thank you, Pat!

Toni Anderson, Holly Hill

Dems fire back

As an individual, any registered Democrat may say or do anything he or she desires, but official positions are expressed only through official organizations. In this case that would be the Democratic Executive Committee of Volusia County, of which I am the elected chair.

We will not “go negative” unless forced to. At the same time, though, we will not allow falsehoods, distortions, or half-truths directed against our candidates or our voters to go unanswered. The Sept. 7 letter, “Media shaping,” is an example.

[READ: Sept. 7 letters]

His third paragraph, for instance, features an obviously misleading statement. Was it failure to fact check? Here are the facts:

Our Volusia County Voter Recommendations cards (slate cards) were developed to inform Democrats as to which of the candidates in nonpartisan contests were Democrats. All Democrats running for such positions were listed. Candidates who run in statewide contests are already listed as Democrats on the ballot.

I do agree with the writer on one issue: The accusation “of racism… actually does deserve media comment.” (a) It’s preposterous. (2) It’s a deliberate falsehood. (3) It throws a smokescreen to hide the so-called “southern strategy” that has characterized Republican practices ever since the “Dixiecrats” changed parties following passage of the Civil Rights Act.

As a party, we Volusia Democrats will not initiate such attacks. But we will full-throatedly call them out for denunciation.

Jewel Dickson, DeLand

Dickson is the chair of the Volusia County Democratic Executive Committee.

Far left pick

Long shot Democratic candidate, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, eked out a slim victory in the gubernatorial primary thanks to a rousing endorsement by Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders and an infusion of almost $1 million from liberal billionaires George Soros and Tom Steyer and associates. Gillum has called for the impeachment of President Trump and the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement tasked to secure our borders and protect national security.

Like Sanders, Gillum endorses single-payer Medicare-for-all health insurance that would nationally bankrupt the country with a $32 trillion cost over 10 years. Gillum would appoint three new liberal judges to the state Supreme Court and increase corporate taxes by 40 percent. That’s $1 billion for education and social programs, but it would discourage new business from locating to Florida, and raise taxes historically on every Florida taxpayer. Gillum sees Florida as a solar capital, but provides no cost estimates on this investment.

If elected governor of Florida, Gillum will champion the socialist policies of Sanders and the extreme left to the detriment of our currently strong economy. His progressive policies will reach deep into the pockets of every Florida taxpayer. Florida cannot afford the socialist vision of Andrew Gillum. I hope voters will research both candidates and endorse Republican Ron DeSantis for governor in November.

Madeline Bizette, Port Orange

Not here man

Rep. Ron DeSantis’ resigning from representing our congressional district is no surprise. He was never here to represent us during his terms – only using our community to gain higher office. Sadly, DeSantis leaving his seat early will not matter, since he was never really here.

Jim Rose, Ormond Beach

Legitimate protest

When I see the hatred for men who take a knee during the National Anthem, I am shocked. These men are protesting racism. That should be a good thing but somehow, people like Sean Hannity have convinced listeners that the act is disrespecting the troops, or the flag, or some distant idea of patriotism. It’s strange because Hannity has defended the Confederate flag and Confederate flag wavers. Many of his followers feel fine watching the Confederate flag fly, and most defend Confederate statues.

Maybe they are unaware that the National Anthem was written by Sir Frances Scott Key, and there is far more to that song — some of which talks about slaves having no refuge from flight or even the grave.

Maybe they are unaware that Key was being held hostage on a ship while the bombardment happened.

Maybe they don’t know that when he penned the words “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there.”

Yes, OUR FLAG, the American flag, not the British flag, not the Nazi flag and not the Confederate flag. Our flag, stood waving against an onslaught trying to tear it down.

Imagine what he would have thought when 49 years later a Confederate ship, with Confederate flags tried to shoot down our flag at Fort Sumter.

So those who are OK with flying an enemy flag like the Confederate flag but not OK with someone protesting racism: Maybe, just maybe, they are the problem.

Roger Leman, New Smyrna Beach

Shoes for sheeple

The NFL players’ protest by taking a knee during the National Anthem was started by Colin Kaepernick to spotlight racial injustice. It has morphed into a protest for social justice, which is heading in the direction of a redistribution of wealth through taxation and confiscation. This is called socialism.

The players supporting our way of life, honoring the flag and what it stands for should be applauded for their patriotism and welcomed on the field for the National Anthem.

The players remaining in the locker room during the anthem should also be applauded for their commitment to the cause of social justice. Each should send half of their gross income to the Federal Reserve Bank to show how committed they are in the redistribution of their wealth. Shad Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, locked arms with players during the National Anthem to show solidarity with his players. His gift to the feds should be a whopper!

In the sports section on Monday, post a list of the socialists’ names and how much money they each donated.

Then there’s Nike, a company with plants in Communist countries, throwing its weight behind Kaepernick. It should be eager to electronically transfer half its corporate net worth to the federal government — unless the TV commercial is just a gimmick dreamt up by a clever advertising department to sell more shoes to the sheeple.

Come on, Nike: Just do it!

God bless America, even the Socialists, although it seems not to have helped Venezuela.

Reginald Kirby Phillips, Ormond Beach

A turning point

Let’s just cut to the chase. The upcoming national midterm elections are a referendum on impeachment. Democrats’ behavior during Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s hearing was a sneak preview of what our House of Representatives will look and sound like if the Democratic Party wins a majority in November.

Everyone by now should have a clear understanding that since Donald Trump’s election, the deep state, the bitter left, Hollywood elites and the old guard media have been attempting to overturn the result. They will do whatever it takes to regain power. For them, nothing is out of bounds. Only we the people can stop their schemes and plots against U.S.

For patriots, a Nov. 6 Republican Party win is vital. Keeping the America First agenda on track is our mission, making America great again is our responsibility, voting is our sacred duty.

Joe Fieldus, Ormond Beach

Trade matters

International trade is a significant part of the U.S. economy. Since March, the president and his administration has been engaged in efforts to reduce our trade deficit. The U.S. imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports; the U.S. and China dealt each other $50 billion in tariffs; and we have engaged in trading negotiations with Canada, Mexico, China and the European Union. In reaction to new tariffs imposed by the U.S., trading partners have reacted with increased tariffs on U.S. imports. We are in the midst of a “trade war” in which some jobs have been saved (e.g., in steel and metal production), and many others have been threatened (e.g., in the auto industry and agriculture).

Many of the president’s tweets on trade have not been helpful, especially those concerning Canada: calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “very dishonest & weak”; and saying there is “no political necessity to keep Canada in the new NAFTA deal.”

There are disparities in our trade balances with other countries, but the 2017 $18 billion deficit with Canada is one of our lowest (China has a $375 billion deficit; Mexico, a $71 billion deficit; Japan, a $69 billion deficit; Hong Kong a $33 million surplus, Australia a $14 million surplus). Canada is our largest trading partner and closest ally. I hope the president can calm down, negotiate in good faith, and stop bullying and insulting our neighbor to the north.

Thomas B. Hilburn, Ormond Beach

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.